Chapter 38
Santa Barbara….
"Have a good journey, my son," Don Rodrigo stated, "The two of you be careful…Send Alejandro my regards, Diego." The older man watched as the younger men rode away. His son had definitely matured during his time in Los Angeles and he suspected that Senorita Quintero also had an effect on his son. Hopefully, the young lady would become his daughter in law someday soon….
"I will…Take care of yourself, uncle. I hope to see you again soon," the tall caballero stated as they rode toward the gate. He had enjoyed his visit, yet he was eager to return home to his wife and family. "I am glad that your father has recovered, Rafael."
"So am I, Diego. He had me worried for a while there, cousin. I am glad that he has recovered. He is a fighter just like your father. I am grateful but I will admit that I am glad that we are going home."
Diego raised his eyebrow slightly. "You think of Los Angeles as home…I suppose the place grows on you after a while," the tall caballero admitted, "Why don't we ride for a while longer? There is a tavern several miles ahead. We can get something to eat and get some rest before continuing our journey."
"That sounds good, Diego. I would like that," his cousin agreed. It will give us a chance to talk…
Hours later….
Rafael sighed contentedly. The tavern they had stopped at was surprisingly comfortable and the food was delicious. He had not realized how he missed being with family especially his cousin… "There was one good thing about our visit, Diego. I learned that time is precious, and family is important. My father has always been there for me… I always thought…. That it would be a long time before I took on his responsibilities."
"It is easy to take people we love for granted….I have had similar thoughts myself, but I pushed them to the back of my mind," he said as he ran a hand through his dark hair, "the past few months, have taught me to cherish those I love and appreciate the time we have together…"
"I feel the same way, Diego….I don't want to waste another moment. I have made a decision and I would like to have your input. I have been thinking about it for some time and I want your opinion…"
The tall caballero took another sip of his café con leche… "You want my opinion. The old Rafael would have forged ahead no matter what anyone thought…no matter what the consequences…"
"I am not the same man that I was then…I am not saying that the de la Vega temper or the ability to make rash decisions is not still there but…the past few months have changed me…for the better, I hope…it's not every day that a man finds a special woman that he wants to spend the rest of his life with….You know how it feels to be in love…I love Lolita…I want to spend the rest of my life with her," he admitted.
"She is a wonderful woman. Any man would be proud to have her as his wife…that is wonderful news…."
"You don't think that I am being too impetuous for once…I…I am not rushing things. Am I ?"
"I wasted time…time I could have spent being with Victoria…time that I will never get back again. I cannot blame you for wanting to love and be loved in return."
"Thank you, cousin. I…I have missed this. I almost destroyed our relationship with my big mouth. Will you forgive me? Accept my sincere apology," he admitted, "Alcohol and jealousy are not a good combination, Diego. I was a jealous fool…blaming you for problems of my own making…I can see that now."
"I was hurt but life is too short to hold onto bitterness and hurt…. de la Vegas have a tendency to think before we speak…let our hearts rule our heads….We are family and we always will be."
"You seem to be spared that tendency, Diego."
"I am not perfect, Rafael….I don't recall you putting on a mask and roaming the countryside," his taller cousin smirked, "it wasn't the wisest thing that I could have done…"
"You would not be a de la Vega, if you had stood by and done nothing…that is one thing that you would not change about yourself, Diego."
"That's true, Rafael. I have a few errands to run. There is a little gift shop here. I am sure it has some items that you would be interested in."
"Lead on, cousin. I should have known that you would have something up your sleeve…being the fox that you are…."
"You know me a little too well, cousin…let's go, we have a lot to do." The men smiled as they exited the tavern. It had been a good day and things would continue to get better….
That evening….the Quintero hacienda….
"There you are, little one. You seem quieter than usual, Lolita," Don Luis said as he entered the garden, "I thought that you might be here. It's one of your favorite places…"
"I received a letter from Rafael…he is coming home soon…"
"Do you think that he will want an answer from you….about courting you, perhaps. Is that what you are worried about…that he wants a commitment from you…"
"He has been very patient with me, Father…He cares a great deal for me," Lolita continued, "and I believe that his feelings for me are sincere but…"
"You still have your doubts. That is natural, Chiquita but you cannot live the rest of your life in uncertainty. Either you love the man, or you don't…if you don't let him go…find a life with a woman that loves him," the don stated.
"And if, I do," she ventured, "what if I love him?"
"Then let him know….marry him and live the rest of your life with him. It is as simple as that…Good night, my daughter…"